Automated storage and retrieval system
AssigneeOpex Corporation
InventorsJoseph Valinsky, Robert R. DeWitt, Alexander Stevens, Dhruva Kumar
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for storing or retrieving items to/from a plurality of destinations areas. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a path to/from the destination areas that are positioned along the path. The destination areas are configured such that the destination areas have a depth to accommodate a plurality of containers in a horizontal line one behind another. The containers may be releasable interconnected so that retrieving one of the interconnected containers displaces one or more connected containers.
Claims18
A container for use in a material handling system for storing or retrieving a plurality of items, wherein the material handling system includes a vehicle for delivering and retrieving items, and the vehicle comprises an on-board motor for driving the vehicle to one of a plurality of storage locations spaced apart vertically and horizontally from one another, wherein the vehicle includes a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage areas, wherein the container comprises:
- a bottom having an upper surface for supporting one or more items;
- a front wall projecting upwardly from the bottom surface;
- a rear wall projecting upwardly from the bottom surface;
- a first side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall;
- a second side wall extending between the front wall and the rear wall;
- a first connector connected to the front wall;
- a second connector connected to the rear wall;
- a first transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the front wall wherein the first transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the container horizontally;
- a second transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the rear wall, wherein the second transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the container horizontally;
- and
- wherein the first and second connectors are configured to be connectable to form a releasable connection.
A combination of containers for use in a material handling system for storing or retrieving a plurality of items, wherein the material handling system includes a vehicle for delivering and retrieving items, and the vehicle comprises an on-board motor for driving the vehicle to one of a plurality of storage locations spaced apart vertically and horizontally from one another, wherein the vehicle includes a transfer mechanism for transferring items between the vehicle and the storage areas, wherein the combination comprises;
- a first container comprising a bottom having an upper surface for supporting one or more items;
- a first wall projecting upwardly from the bottom surface;
- a second wall projecting upwardly from the bottom surface;
- a third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall;
- a fourth wall extending between the first wall and the second wall;
- a first connector connected to the first wall,
- a second connector connected to the second wall;
- a first transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the first wall wherein the first transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the first container horizontally;
- a second transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the second wall, wherein the second transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the first container horizontally;
- and
- a second container comprising a second bottom having a second upper surface for supporting one or more items;
- a fifth wall projecting upwardly from the second bottom surface,
- a sixth wall projecting upwardly from the second bottom surface;
- a seventh wall extending between the fifth wall and the sixth wall;
- an eight wall extending between the fifth wall and the sixth wall;
- a third connector connected to the fifth wall;
- a fourth connector connected to the sixth wall;
- a third transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the fifth wall wherein the third transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the second container horizontally;
- a fourth transfer receptacle positioned adjacent the sixth wall, wherein the fourth transfer receptacle is configured to mate with the transfer mechanism to displace the second container horizontally;
- and
- wherein the second connector of the first container is connectable with the third connector of the second container to connect the two containers such that horizontal displacement of the first container by the transfer mechanism displaces the second container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.